The Ultimate Guide to Guitar Pick Storage and Selection

The Ultimate Guide to Guitar Pick Storage and Selection

The humble guitar pick might seem simple, but it’s one of the most crucial elements in shaping your guitar tone and technique. Understanding how to select, maintain, and organize your picks can significantly impact your playing. This comprehensive guide covers everything from pick materials and their sonic properties to professional storage solutions.

Understanding Guitar Pick Materials

Traditional Materials

Celluloid
- Classic vintage tone
- Warm sound with natural compression
- Flexible and comfortable
- Requires careful storage (flammable)
- Ages uniquely with use
Nylon
- Durable and long-lasting
- Warm, rounded tone
- Excellent grip when textured
- Maintains properties in varying conditions
- Affordable and widely available
Tortex
- Consistent wear patterns
- Bright, defined tone
- Excellent durability
- Maintains shape well
- Available in precise thickness gradients
- The “magic” of Jimmy Page and other iconic guitarists

Premium Materials

Ultex
- Superior durability
- Bright, articulate tone
- Excellent note definition
- Minimal wear over time
- Professional choice for recording
Carbon Fiber
- Ultimate durability
- Extremely stiff and precise
- Sharp attack characteristics
- Premium price point
- Preferred for technical playing
Acrylic
- Glass-like clarity
- Minimal pick noise
- Smooth release characteristics
- Excellent for recording
- Various shapes available

Pick Thickness Guide

Light (Under 0.60mm)

Ideal for strumming
Acoustic rhythm playing
Folk and country styles
Minimal pick attack noise
Quick response

Medium (0.60-0.80mm)

Versatile all-purpose thickness
Balanced tone and control
Good for both strumming and lead
Beginner-friendly
Most popular choice

Heavy (0.80-1.20mm)

Enhanced control for lead playing
Better definition for fast passages
Reduced pick noise
Stronger fundamental tone
Often preferred for electric guitar

Extra Heavy (Over 1.20mm)

Maximum control
Ideal for sweep-picking
Strong attack characteristics
Best for technical metal
Superior dynamics control

Professional Storage Solutions

Performance-Ready Storage

Stage Setup
- Quick-access pick holders
- Multiple thickness backup sets
- Secure attachment options
- Weather-resistant storage
- Emergency backup location
Microphone Stand Solutions
- Clip-on pick holders
- Multiple pick capacity
- Secure grip design
- Easy one-hand access
- Backup pick storage

The AxePaxe ®

– Holds all of your accessories, including picks, at your fingertips

– Customized housing for all of your accessories

– Beautiful and cool design

– Color combinations mimic iconic guitars

– Patented pick tray and storage

Studio Organization

Recording Session Setup
- Multiple pick types readily available
- Organized by material and thickness
- Silent access design
- Clear labeling system
- Backup sets prepared
Practice Space Organization
- Dedicated pick stations
- Material segregation
- Thickness organization
- Wear monitoring system
- Regular rotation schedule

The AxePaxe® Professional Storage System

Dedicated Pick Storage Features

Material-Specific Compartments
- Prevents material interaction
- Organized by type
- Clear visibility
- Quick access
- Secure containment
Thickness Organization
- Graduated storage sections
- Easy identification
- Professional categorization
- Performance-ready access
- Backup storage areas

Patented Pick Trays

– Exterior non-slip surface at your fingertips

– Interior slide-through storage

Pick Maintenance and Care

General Care Guidelines

Regular Cleaning
- Remove finger oils
- Clean grip surfaces
- Check for wear
- Maintain texture
- Document usage
Storage Conditions
- Avoid extreme temperatures
- Control humidity
- Prevent direct sunlight
- Maintain ventilation
- Regular rotation

Professional Tips

Performance Preparation
- Pre-sort picks by song/style
- Maintain multiple backups
- Regular wear inspection
- Emergency replacement plan
- Quick-access positioning
Recording Session Tips
- Select picks for specific tones
- Maintain multiple options
- Consider pick noise
- Match pick to style
- Document preferred picks

Pick Selection by Genre

Rock and Metal

Thickness: 0.88-1.5mm
Materials: Ultex, Carbon Fiber
Features: Sharp tip, maximum control
Storage: Heavy-duty protection
Backup: Multiple identical picks

Jazz and Blues

Thickness: 0.50-1.14mm
Materials: Celluloid, Premium Plastics
Features: Rounded tips, warm tone
Storage: Material-specific compartments
Backup: Various thickness options

Country and Folk

Thickness: 0.46-0.73mm
Materials: Nylon, Celluloid
Features: Flexible, traditional
Storage: Basic organization
Backup: Multiple gauge options

Classical and Fingerstyle

Thickness: 0.60-0.88mm
Materials: Nylon, Premium Plastics
Features: Balanced response
Storage: Clear categorization
Backup: Material variations

Professional Insights

Famous Guitarist Pick Choices

Notable Preferences:
Famous guitarists often choose picks that shape their unique sound. For example, Jimmy Page prefers heavy, rounded picks for aggressive play, while Jimi Hendrix uses thin picks for fast strumming.

Material Selections:
Pick materials that affect tone: Eric Clapton uses celluloid for warmth, and John Petrucci chooses Delrin for durability and sharpness.

Thickness Choices:
Pick thickness impacts playability. Kirk Hammett uses thick picks for precision, while David Gilmour opts for medium thickness for a balanced tone.

Storage Methods:
Guitarists store picks in cases to protect them from wear. Slash keeps his picks in custom holders for easy access.

Performance Tips:
Switching picks to mid-performance can enhance versatility, as seen with Stevie Ray Vaughan, who adjusts picks for different sounds.

Recording Studio Perspectives

Pick Selection for Different Tones:
In the studio, pick choice shapes the sound. Carlos Santana uses soft, thin picks for smooth tones, while Steve Vai prefers thick picks for precision.

Storage During Sessions:
Easy access to picks is key; Joe Satriani stores his picks on his guitar for convenience during sessions.

Quick-Change Systems:
Quick pick changes are vital, as Brian May does in the studio to adapt to different sounds.

Noise Reduction Techniques:
Guitarists like Keith Richards use softer picks to reduce noise, while mic placement and cables help minimize distractions.

Material Considerations:
Material affects tone. Tom Morello uses metal picks in the studio for sharp attack and clarity.

Conclusion

Understanding and properly organizing your guitar picks is crucial for maintaining optimal tone and technique. Whether you’re a touring professional or a dedicated hobbyist, having the right pick readily available can make the difference between a good performance and a great one. The AxePaxe® provides a professional solution for storing, organizing and protecting your pick collection, ensuring you always have the right pick at the right time, at your fingertips.

Remember: Your picks are more than just pieces of plastic – they’re an essential part of your tone and technique. Treat them with the same care and organization as you would any other crucial piece of gear.

Ready to organize your pick collection like a professional?

The AxePaxe® offers dedicated pick storage solutions that protect and organize your picks while keeping them readily accessible for any playing situation.

Get yours now!